Movie Guys: ‘Six Days, Seven Nights’ a pleasant, lightweight romp

Friday, June 12, 1998 | 10:18 a.m.

* Grades: Jeff B; Dave B-.

bu. Starring: Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer and Jacqueline Obradors.

* Director: Ivan Reitman.

* Screenplay: Michael Browning.

* Rated: PG-13 for adult themes and situations.

* Running time: 104 minutes

* Playing at: Las Vegas Drive-In, Cinedome 12 Las Vegas, Century Desert, Cinedome 12 Henderson, ACT III Texas Station, ACT III Sunset Station, ACT III VIllage Square, UA Rainbow Promenade, UA Showcase mall.

Synopsis: He's a cargo pilot (Harrison Ford) who is heading up another carefree, easy-money plane trip from one island to the next. She's a New York magazine editor (Anne Heche) who has planned a relaxing holiday in a tropical wonderland. However, nature plots a decidedly different course for these two when an unexpected storm forces them to crash on an uncharted island. With no plane, no communication and no patience for each other, neither is prepared for the exhilarating adventure that awaits them.

Jeff: Can we accept Anne Heche as a romantic leading love interest for Harrison Ford, the Humphrey Bogart of our generation? That was the question burning in my mind. I got my answer pretty quick. The movie wasn't on for five minutes when I heard it coming from an audience member in the seat in front of me: "Look -- it's Ellen's wife!" the viewer exclaimed as Anne Heche -- Ellen DeGeneres' real-life love interest -- appeared on screen for the first time in "Six Days, Seven Nights." This was going to be an interesting hour-and-a-half.

Dave: Surprisingly enough, you were right, Jeff. But not because of some simpleton's idiotic remark, but because you have one of Hollywood's most popular lesbians teaming up with the most famous adventure hero this side of the galaxy, who, I might add, has not had the best of luck recently in the romantic genre category. Director Ivan Reitman, whose list of comical credits includes "Stripes," both "Ghostbusters" and "Dave," has delivered a rather simple, yet enjoyable romantic adventure. In addition, he has sparked America's interest in the chemistry between our two leading actors.

Jeff: This is a perfect summer getaway movie. It has just what every vacation needs: thrilling thunderstorms, pirate attacks, romantic nights on the beach, snakes crawling around, fruity mixed drinks, all served on your own private tropical island. Ford and Heche are a perfect match, jumping off the screen in every action-packed, romantically-entwined move, growing closer with each threatening circumstance.

Heche plays Robin Monroe, whose will is as strong as any action hero's in recent memory. She never shows any fear and is determined to take care of herself -- a survivor. Yet, she has a soft side to reveal to Quinn (Ford) when love strikes in the oddest of places. Two people stranded on a uncharted tropical island? Sure, love could bloom here. (Did I actually write that?) Heche also has the most incredible ocean blue eyes this reviewer has ever seen. Plus, Ford finally gets to display his remarkable sense of comic timing.

Dave: Finally, ol' Harrison Ford has successfully made his way back into romantic territory. Who here remembers 1979's sweeping love story "Hanover Street"? How about the 1995 remake of 1954's classic "Sabrina"? Well, maybe his more devoted fans do, but now he has found the perfect vehicle to mix his brash humor, heroic charisma and confident demeanor into a romantic lead. His carefree way of life as a cargo pilot (sounds awfully familiar) is an hysterical opposite to Heche's career-driven magazine editor. The two develop a chemistry that is equal to any couple in a romantic-adventure: from Hepburn and Bogart in "The African Queen" to Douglas and Turner in "Romancing the Stone."

Jeff: "Hanover Street?" No one in their right mind would remember that snorefest, Dave. "Six Days, Seven Nights" blends humor and romance the way only director Ivan Reitman can deliver. Although there isn't a moment when you think that our castaways are ever in any real danger from the perilous events on the island. They're going to get off the island eventually; food and water was never a problem; and the crashed plane contained a suitcase full of clothing. It wasn't too much of a rough time.

I won't even analyze Monroe's totally absent motivation for falling in love with Quinn. She's engaged to Frank Martin (David Schwimmer, Ross on NBC's "Friends"), for crying out loud! This is a simple, straightforward film, with senseless situations. Pirate attacks? OK, anything to move the movie along and keep it interesting. I knew everything would work out by the movie's end. Knowing that, it didn't change the appeal or charm of the movie. It's chewing gum for the mind.

Dave: In fact, in most cases, it would hurt the movie. However, Reitman adds the perfect amount of predictability, with a touch of sentimentality between the stars, and just the right measure of Hollywood gloss to make it another entertaining film. After last year's dismal "Father's Day," it was the least he could do. So, take a trip to paradise, albeit shipwrecked on a deserted isle in the South Seas, with none other than Harrison Ford. This is a vacation worth taking.

MOVIE BUZZ

* Big ship, bigger video:

James Cameron said earlier this week that he will eventually put together a special edition of "Titanic" that could include as much as 20 minutes of scenes deleted from the theatrical version. " 'Titanic' is the ultimate title for a special edition with supplemental material," Cameron said during a press conference at Paramount Studios to announce its biggest-ever, $50 million marketing campaign for the Sept. 1 video release of the all-time box office champion.

* Friends, Romans, Moviegoers...!: Director Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner," "G.I. Jane") is in negotiations to direct the epic drama "Gladiator" for DreamWorks SKG. The period piece tells the tale of gladiators who battled in the Coliseum during the Roman Empire. Scott's move comes three months after Warner Bros. shot down the director's mega-expensive Arnold Schwarzenegger project, "I Am Legend."

* Eyes Wide Late: Stanley Kubrick fans who are anxious to see the auteur's latest effort, "Eyes Wide Shut," will have to wait a little longer. Originally set for a Christmas release, the film, which stars husband-and-wife Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman has been pushed back until Presidents' Day 1999. Why the delay? Warner Bros. executives aren't saying. However, it certainly isn't too surprising, given the film's top-secret and troubled production, which included a grueling 15 months of principal photography.

NAME THAT FLICK

"The land is so big. The choices so infinite. Where shall we go? Los Angeles or New York?" Holly Gelscr knew where they would choose. She was the first to call and identify the quote spoken by Arsenio Hall in "Coming to America." Way to go, Holly.

For this week, who said this and in what film: "I don't' know why he saved my life. Maybe in those last moments, he loved life more than he had ever before. Not just his life -- anybody's life. My life."? Does it sound familiar? If you think you know the answer, call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026 or e-mail us at movieguys5@aol.com. (After use, please dispose contents properly according to federal law.) Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number, and if you're the first correct caller/e-mailer, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read.

See you next week.

THE MOVIE GUYS, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears every Friday in the Sun (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Scope magazine and watch their reviews every Friday on Channel 3's 11 p.m. newscast. Plus, check them out online at: www.lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/movies.